Smart Glasses Get a Fashion Makeover

A new Italian startup, Lorika, has entered the smart glasses accessory market with its Ontop line of clip-on frame covers. These accessories are designed to enhance the fashion appeal of Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, offering a departure from the typically dark and subtle colorways. The Ontop covers are made from polycarbonate plastic with woven elastic polymers for stability and add a noticeably chunkier, more colorful look to the eyewear.

The inspiration for Ontop stems from the desire to provide more design variety and protection for smart glasses. Lorika's CEO, Giorgio Di Cesare, an early user of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, developed the covers after accidentally breaking his own pair. The accessories, priced at $35 or $40, are currently compatible with both first and second-generation Wayfarer models of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses. They do not interfere with the glasses' cameras or speakers.

This initiative aligns with the growing trend of smart glasses prioritizing aesthetics. While Meta, with EssilorLuxottica's help, has significantly improved the fashion aspect of smart glasses, Lorika believes there is room for further enhancement in design and color. The company eventually plans to offer covers for other Meta styles, such as Oakley and Display glasses, and aims to expand to other brands, further solidifying the fusion of technology and personal style.